NOVEMBER 2011 Restaurateur Laura Marley Shares Her ‘Mantra’ p. 10
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White Lotus Designs: Crowning Exceptional Women with Divine Design p. 5 Lust List: If Money Wasn’t An Object p. 7
Henna-based Lipstick: An Alternative To Chemically-based products p.6 Cover Photograph by Warren Buckle
Editor’s Note
Cultivating Good Employees p. 8
Life is about making decisions, and in this issue our cover story shares the journey of Laura Marley, who goes from Political Science major to restaurant owner. Also in this issue is a postcard from a Jamaican woman living in Japan who shares her experiences, a belly dancing duo, inspiration that encourages you to pursue your passion, plus a host of other exciting features. Finally ladies, be sure to check out our relationship article which helps you to determine if you’re wasting valuable time with Mr. Wrong.
Live. Love. Laugh a Lot.
Quote of The Week
“Do not give way to useless alarm; though it is right to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it as certain.”
Are You Wasting Time With Mr. Wrong? p.14 Belly Dancing with Rak Sharki Ja p.16 Finding Our Destiny, Pursuing Our Purpose p. 17 On the Pulse: News and Culture p.19 Postcard From... Japan p.21
- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice 3
Fashion
WhiteLotusDesigns ‘CROWNING EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN WITH DIVINE DESIGN’
B
y day, Kamala McWhinney works as a clinical psychologist specializing in violence prevention and social intervention, but she also has a passion for fashion. “I decided one day after being forced to wear a hideous, fussy dress to a wedding that as soon as I was old enough, I would rule my very own fashion universe,” she said. “Since then, I have been tweaking my clothes (oftentimes by sewing) and have been extremely passionate about all the possibilities that existed in creating new outfits.” Inspired by vintage headwear, Kamala has since translated her passion into creating colourful, creative and definitely bold headpieces, which is the mainstay of her 14-month-old company, White Lotus Designs. The label is in reference to her own name, which means ‘born of the lotus’.
Kamala McWhinney wearing “Red n Polka” Photo by Rochelle Chin (Chopstix Solutions)
1. What are your most popular pieces? The bridal fascinators and the bandeau hats are the most popular pieces. 2. What kind of woman wears White Lotus Designs? White Lotus is for the woman who references but is not a slave to trends, the woman who has embraced her “fabulosity” and is not afraid to stand out.
“Sass in Red” Photo by Kamala McWhinney Alexia White wearing the “Alexia”. Photo by Howard Beecher
3. What are you working on now? White Lotus Designs is now expanding the line of bridal items to include bridal sashes and belts. We are also very proud to be expanding our offers to include a Home Décor Line. We now have sheet sets available and curtains/drapes. Cushions and wall art are soon to follow. 4. Where are you based? We are a roving virtual store, based in Montego Bay on weekdays and in Spanish Town on most weekends. When a customer orders a piece from our online catalogue, we arrange for delivery or pickup as is convenient.
“Adeolu” (Yoruba for crowned Prince) Photo by Kamala McWhinney
5. What is your vision for White Lotus Designs? In honour of the ideas that keep flowing from God to us, we will be re-branding soon to “EPIPHANIES by White Lotus.” We will steadily increase the quality of our offerings as well as the sphere of our creative influence. We envision that one day, every bride in Jamaica will pass through the doors of our boutique. And on another day, we will be sought after internationally; representing the style, class and sass that are uniquely Jamaican.
“Sterling Flair” Photo by Kamala McWhinney
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Your Style eZine
5
Fashion
Lust List:
IF MONEY WASN’T AN OBJECT
N
o woman’s closet is complete without shoes to die for and sparkly accessories, bags, rings and pins to match. Check out some of the most exquisite piece we would all love to own – if money wasn’t an object.
Anita Ko Rose Bangle Redefining ‘rose gold’, this stunning piece of jewellery makes a bold statement with its opulence but also manages to be whimsical, wrapping your wrist in a flower, paying homage to spring. US$ 32,000
Chanel Feather Bib Necklace If jewels are not your thing but you still love high glamour and high drama, this dazzling feather bib necklace, also from the house of Chanel, should fit the bill. US$ 5,900
Deborah Pagani Rose Quartz Ring Stylish, one-of-a-kind and completely glamorous, this art deco-inspired piece has a vintage look with a modern edge. US$ 6,225; barneys.com. www.ezineslimited.com
Giuseppe Zanotti MultiColour Sling-Back Heels Who can resist the hypnotic glitter of Swarovski crystals, combined with the vibrant color combo on these stunning slingbacks? US$ 1495; giuseppezanottidesign.com
Chanel Classic Flap Bag Coco Chanel knew glamour and she knew it well. Nothing could be more glamorous than this stunning gold studded clutch. Don’t even try to resist the allure. US$ 7,000
Bulgari Gatto High Jewellery Sunglasses Channel Grace Kelly in these fierce Bulgari cat eye sunnies, sure to rival the sun’s sparkle and shine. US$ 38,000 Your Style eZine
6
Beauty
Henna-based Lipstick AN Â ALTERNATIVE Â TO Â CHEMICALLY-ÂBASED Â PRODUCTS
L
ipstick is one of the most popular cosmetics used by women to look more appealing, but nfortunately, in most cases, it often contains harmful chemicals that can do your skin more harm than good in the long run. Henna, long used by Indian women to decorate their hands and feet for special occasions such as weddings, is a good alternative to the chemicals often found in these products.
WHAT IS HENNA-BASED LIPSTICK?
Henna lipstick is free from lead, traces of heavy metals and chemicals like butyl benzyl phthalate. Henna lipstick combines the safety of nature with the advancements of science to create a cosmetic that will give your lips long lasting color without damage.
money. t 5IF DPMPVS MBTUT MPOHFS UIBO USBEJUJPOBM MJQTUJDLT BOE JT BMTP TNVEHF SFTJTUBOU *U DPOUBJOT OBUVSBM PJMT UIBU HJWF your lips the shine you crave. t "OPUIFS CFOFmU JT UIBU UIF OBUVSBM QSPQFSUJFT PG IFOOB also ensure that your lips stay moisturized and the lip stick doesn’t feather with wear. Henna-based lipstick isn’t exactly new, but you won’t find it in every store. Hence, we recommend shopping at a reputable cosmetics outlet or a store specializing in natural beauty products. You can also shop online for a wide array of henna lipsticks. They are a bit more pricey, but the benefits far outweigh the cost, don’t you think?
t )FOOB MJQTUJDL JT XBUFS CBTFE OPU XBYZ NBLJOH GPS smoother application. t *U DBO BMTP EPVCMF BT B MJQ MJOFS TBWJOH ZPV UJNF BOE www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine
7
Career
CULTIVATING
Good Employees t %0 /05 */4*45 5)"5 " %&$*4*0/ )"4 50 #& MADE ASAP If you and your team can’t arrive at a decision, don’t run to a conclusion. Try instead to put in place a process that yields decisions; this way, everyone will feel more comfortable, even if the decision was not unanimous. It will keep their goodwill in tact.
N
o manager or executive is successful on her own; her team plays a critical role in their success. While many upward mobile managers are aware that an empowered team enriches their performances, many managers’ awareness is clouded by the compulsion to control their own fates as well as the everyday reality of corporate hierarchy. While many countries in Western Europe and the United States (US) are deserting topdown, command-and-control models, many managers still apply it. Employees in return can respond by “jealously guarding their only source of power - their distinctive experience, and the team is driven apart”, when confronted with such a boss. Former businessman and author, Charalambos A. Vlachoutsicos spent most of his career in countries and companies with a disengaging, vicious cycle of control. He said that throughout these years, his most challenging experience was teaching bosses and managers how to promote engagement of their employees by gleaning their contributions. He also noted that every interaction between managers and their subordinates should foster some kind of mutual dependency. To help in what he calls “mutuality” between subordinates and managers he developed a set of lessons: t #& .0%&45 Sometimes, in an effort to prove that they are in charge, managers can discourage their subordinates from speaking up and may lose the opportunity to benefit from their experience. This sometimes happens in the case of a new manager. A manager should not try to bombard their subordinates with irrelevant stories about how they succeed in problem solving; it can come off as insecure. Rather, it is best to recall the experience as briefly as possible and see how it can relate to solving the problem at hand. Sharing mistakes as well as successes can be beneficial.
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t */7*5& %*4"(3&&.&/54 Managers should value every interaction with subordinates and not just at a formal level. This gives them a chance to demonstrate their expertise and encourage them to express what they are really feeling in a more informal way. They tend to feel more comfortable and will be more likely to express their disapproval if there is any. For organizations with a more open culture, this issue may seem foreign. t -*45&/ "55&/5*7&-: "/% 4)08 */5&3&45 It has been noted over time that managers are getting better at listening to their employees, but at times, the employees may not believe that this is so. And they may not know that interest was shown in their suggestion even though the manager was listening. While one may not go along with their advice, it is important to show careful consideration and outline why you didn’t go along with their idea. This will help to prevent the employee from becoming demotivated. “People tune in to your body language, where you look, what you do with your hands. It can be hard to remember this when you’re in a meeting, but managing such signals is essential.” t '0$64 0/ 5)& "(&/%" While you may want to open the lines of communication to encourage your subordinates to disagree with you, do remember that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Do recognize that the more you put on the table in terms of giving everyone a chance to share their disagreements, the less time each person has to talk and your meeting could go on for hours. As the manager, you have to focus your agenda and make sure you stick to it. But at the same time, you do not want to rush though your meeting. Therefore, setting issues according to their importance is your best bet. t %0/ 5 53: 50 )"7& "-- 5)& "/48&34 “To be successful, managers must see themselves more as catalysts for problem solving than as problem solvers, per se. I have learned to be suspicious of managers who seem to have all the answers. A far better indication of managerial skill is a willingness to admit, “I’m not sure what the answer is. Let’s have the team toss some ideas about,’” Vlachoutsicos wrote. Your Style eZine
8
Cover Story
Laura Marley RESTAURATEUR
SHARES Â HER Â
‘MANTRA’
by Tracey-Ann Wisdom Photographs by Warren Buckle
W
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Cover Story
“
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�
The 25-year-old restaurateur is, in fact, Bob’s second cousin, and at one point, she did have plans to be a musician, but the passion wasn’t strong enough. Instead, Laura went off to Florida International University, where she studied Political Science and International Relations, before returning home to Jamaica in January, working for a few months before finding her golden opportunity. 8)"5 4 :063 ."/53" Today, she is the super-busy owner and manager of Mantra, the cool, new Kingston eatery that has been generating a lot of buzz since it opened just over two months ago. “It started out as what was going to be a Moneygram service or a Western Union, Bill Express, something along those lines. I was gonna just do some grab and go stuff, some salads, sandwiches, patties and it just kind of evolved. The patties and salads and the soups and everything just started to take over and the menu just developed,� Laura explained. Mantra now boasts a culturally diverse menu, featuring Asian fusion, Cajun/Creole, Greek and Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and, of course, Caribbean dishes in addition to sandwiches, burgers and drinks and other delicacies. “Having been away and travelling a lot, that was really what inspired a lot of the things on the menu,� said Laura, who has travelled to parts of Europe, South America, the US, and a few Caribbean islands, although not as many as she would have liked. www.ezineslimited.com
Although she had shelved her musical ambitions, Laura still had a creative side that needed to be indulged and Mantra has satisfied this craving. “The food just seemed to work and there was an element of [art] and creativity that appealed to me that is not there in money. That was what I wanted. I wanted something that required a small amount of attention, made me a certain amount of money every month and I could guarantee that it would just take care of itself,â€? she said. Instead, she now finds herself on the road opposite to easy-going: “Eighteen hour days, seven days a week and I’m perpetually exhausted, but I’m definitely [showing] a lot more of my creativity and my artistic side when it comes to food and dĂŠcor and those types of things.â€?
Your Style eZine 11
Cover Story don’t have any investors. It’s all been me. I don’t have a manager, so I’m here all the time. The challenge is really bearing 100 per cent of the responsibility… But I’ve learned a lot. I can definitely say I’ve learned more in these few months of opening the restaurant than I did in my four years of university,” she shared. This kind of schedule doesn’t allow for any down time, as Laura has come to realize. “I don’t know what [relaxation] is. My body has forgotten. I get home and I lie down and it’s just like my brain is still bubbling with things that I need to do. It’s like my body is rejecting sleep.” The sleepless nights won’t abate anytime soon as Laura works to cement Mantra in Jamaica’s consciousness and expand the brand. However, she is planning to take some time off to unwind after Restaurant Week and, should her body remember how, relax. Whenever she manages to find time, she just might get back into kiteboarding, one of her favourite hobbies. Laura’s frenetic schedule also precludes a boyfriend, so she is currently single. Not that she’s looking: “At this point, I think I’d be a terrible girlfriend, working the hours I do.” Sorrel Barbeque Wings with Sweet Potato fries
$00,*/( 61 " 4503. Owning a restaurant doesn’t automatically require that one can ‘throw down’ in the kitchen, but Laura can hold her own. Not that she has the time! “Recently, I’ve only eaten [at Mantra] because I don’t have the time to cook because I’m never home… But I enjoy cooking simple things. I’m not very over the top. I love seafood, salads, but there isn’t one thing in particular that I make,” she said. She considers herself a Rachael Ray of sorts: “[S]he has no culinary degree, but her dishes are quick and they’re simple and they’re tasty and I think that’s what I have. I have no culinary background, really. I’ve just grown up around cooking. My dad does a lot of cooking, always has, and I’ve always enjoyed the process of cooking.”
Syrian fattoush Salad
Currently, Laura and her team are gearing up for Mantra’s first Restaurant Week later this month. The restaurant will have themed nights, such as a Worldbeat Night with a DJ, Karaoke Night, Tequila Thursday, Top 40 Night and Wine Me, Dine Me Night. “We’re in the lunch category, which I think is gonna mainly entail a lot of to-go orders,” Laura said. “I think [Restaurant Week] is a great thing for the food industry in Jamaica. It’s great to see, especially having been away and coming back to Jamaica, that these great events like Fashion Night Out and Restaurant Week that are known on an international stage are being brought here to Jamaica and being done. It’s [encouraging] people to eat out and we need more of that.” (0*/( *5 "-0/& As a newbie in the food and beverage business, Laura is still learning the ropes but enjoying the process. “I’ve done this on a budget, in a recession, on my own. I don’t have a partner, I www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine 12
Relationships
ARE YOU WASTING YOUR TIME
with Mr.Wrong?
All relationships go through rough patches here and there, but if you always find yourself anxious and frustrated, wondering where he is at this time and what he’s doing at this very moment, then you’re burying your head in the sand. Be brave and ask yourself, ‘Am I happy?’ ‘Is it worth it?’ You can conduct a simple exercise - draw up a pros and cons list. If the bad outweighs the good, it’s time for a fresh start.
Fight Your Fears
N
ot every woman is fortunate enough to find her prince charming in just one shot. After all, finding a man is not like in childhood fairy tales as child, where a princess kissed a frog and it magically became Mr. Right. Getting to ‘happily ever after’ is a process and for many women, that included several up and down relationships before finding true love. However, many women also waste their days with Mr. Wrong, hoping against hope that he’ll somehow morph into Mr. Right. After investing many years and emotions into a relationship, it can definitely be hard to let go, especially when there are children involved. The thought of starting over can be very scary. Just look at how long Whitney held on to Bobby, even when everyone else knew he was bad for her?
Acknowledge that you are in a dead end relationship and although it might be difficult to be on your own, take that first step. It is the hardest part, and things will get easier after a while. Breaking up is hard, especially when you are close to his family and friends and you have to break the news to them. While this can be frustrating it will be even more frustrating to live a lie, so don’t let the thought of what they might say terrify you into wasting any more time with a man that’s just not right for you.
Believe in Better The fact that a relationship failed in no indication that you failed as a person. Yes, it’s ok to mourn what you have lost, especially if things were good for a while, but think about the negative things you had to put up with. Spending too long in a secondrate relationship can erode your confidence in other aspects of your life, so don’t give up single for better off alone. It is also important that you acknowledge that you do not need a man to validate you and while you do want a partner to share your life with, you have to first love yourself. Remember that every moment you waste with the wrong man is time you could be spending doing something that makes you truly happy.
Stop Making Excuses Be honest with yourself and accept that it’s probably time to end the relationship if his behavior constantly upsets you or he shows you scant regard. Although it’s natural to look for the best in someone you love, don’t be blinded to the truth. www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine
14
Body & Spirit
BELLY Â DANCING Â WITH
From left: Shari-Lee Perrin and Gabrielle Beckford
G
Raks Sharki Ja
etting fit does not have to mean sweating it out in a gym or on a five-mile run. Fitness can actually be fun, and what could be more fun than dancing? Belly dancing, to be precise. The sexy, sinuous movements have their roots in the Middle East and North Africa, where it was first practiced to the goddesses of fertility. It has become popular in the west through the media and is now in Jamaica through the efforts of Gabrielle Beckford and Shari-Lee Perrin of Raks Sharki Ja. Belly dancing is only one type of raks sharki (oriental dance), but for now, it is one of two styles they practice.
So why not turn on some Eastern music and discover your inner Shakira? Here are two simple routines to try:
“I have long been intrigued by Arabic and Indian dance styles, but I got the chance to participate in a Belly Dance Fusion workshop during a summer vacation in Atlanta in 2008. After that workshop I couldn’t stop shimmying with my mudras (hand gestures). After I felt comfortable enough to perform, I approached Shari-Lee - a long-time friend and a dancer - and asked her to join me,� Gabrielle said.
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Gabrielle taught Shari-Lee what she had learned at the workshop and from Veda Sereem belly dance DVDs and Youtube tutorials. Now you too can learn the art of the shimmy in private or semi-private classes or workshops. “Belly dancing improves posture and is based on movements that come naturally to the female form,� Gabrielle explained. “Belly dancing makes you feel sexy and it also boosts your confidence while you work out.�
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#"4*$ )*1 4)*..: t (FU JO OFVUSBM QPTJUJPO TUBOE XJUI UIF CBDL TUSBJHIU BOE BMMPX B MJUUMF TQBDF CFUXFFO UIF GFFU PO UIF nPPS UIFO CFOE ZPVS LOFFT TP ZPV SF BO JODI TIPSUFS t /FYU TMJHIUMZ TUSBJHIUFO ZPVS SJHIU MFH LFFQJOH UIF PUIFS MFH CFOU UP MJGU ZPVS SJHIU IJQ
#"4*$ &(:15*"/ 45&1 t (FU JO OFVUSBM QPTJUJPO TUBOE XJUI UIF CBDL TUSBJHIU BOE BMMPX B MJUUMF TQBDF CFUXFFO UIF GFFU PO UIF nPPS UIFO CFOE ZPVS LOFFT TP ZPV SF BO JODI TIPSUFS
t #SJOH GPPU CBDL UP OFVUSBM BOE EP UIF TBNF XJUI MFGU GPPU If you want to learn to put more moves together, check out one of Raks Sharki Ja’s regular workshops. “Next year January, we will have another workshop giving people an affordable, fun way to burn off the Christmas weight,� Gabrielle said. Your Style eZine
16
Body & Spirit
by Keresa Arnold
Finding Your Destiny, PURSUING YOUR PURPOSE
That’s the key to living your purpose - finding and pursuing what we are most passionate about. The thing is, knowing our purpose gives meaning to our lives. It provides us with the opportunity to make the best decisions, to walk on the right path towards achieving our goals because we know exactly where we’re going and how to get there. Are you in a dead-end job, relationship or friendship? Are you truly happy or merely living from day to day, just trying to survive? It’s easy to get caught up with the everyday motions of life without taking the time to focus on who we truly are, living our best life and positively impacting the lives of those around us. Everyone was created with a purpose. Whether it is working with children, making decisions and discoveries that will change the world or simply bringing joy to others, there is a divine purpose that helps to dictate our perception of ourselves and those around us.
A
t some point in the last two years, I found myself reading a lot of motivational (or what many comedians call ‘self helpless’) books. It’s not that I was depressed, but I was at a place in my life where I was in pursuit of my purpose. At the time, I felt like I wasn’t where I needed to be. I knew where I wanted to go, but I wasn’t sure that taking that path would take me to my purpose. Decisions, decisions. The books didn’t necessarily help me to find that purpose, but they reminded me that I needed to trust God to move me in the right direction. I needed to start exercising my faith a little bit more. There’s a popular quote by Dr. Robert Schuller that asks a very important question, and now I put that question to you: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?� Go ahead and think about it. Thought of an answer yet? Now, do it!
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Also true is the fact that there are many of us who already know the divine calling on our lives. We know exactly what we should be doing, but through fear, feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness and sometimes laziness, we choose to continue on the mediocre path we’ve already wasted so much time travelling on. There’s no ultimate joy on that path. It’s lonely and doesn’t bring true contentment, happiness and fulfillment. But it is safe, and safe has a way of fooling us into believing that we are exactly where we should be. Don’t be fooled into merely existing without truly living. It is time for us to rise and start pursuing the path already cleared for us. The time is now for us to claim success, strength and the confidence to take our rightful place in this world. What’s holding you back? Conquer your fears and walk into your destiny.
"MXBZT MPWF ZPVS OFJHICPVS BT ZPVSTFMG BOE SFNFNCFS UP QSBZ MBVHI HSPX www.thesarcasticone.blog.com
Your Style eZine
17
News & Culture
by Keresa Arnold
OnThe Pulse News .*44 7&/&;6&-" 8*/4 .*44 803-% $308/ Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos, was crowned Miss World 2011in London yesterday. The 22-year-old beat out runner up Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais and Amanda Perez of Puerto Rico, who placed third. Jamaica was represented by Miss Jamaica World, Danielle Crosskill. +"."*$" 3"/,&% 5) #&45 $06/53: '03 80.&/ Of 135 countries, Jamaica was voted the 47th best country for women. The 2011 Global Gender Gap Report measured the gap between men and women in economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival and
Miss Venezuela (centre), Ivian Sarcos, was crowned Miss World 2011 by outgoing queen, Alexandria Mills of the USA (2nd left). Looking on are 1st runner-up Miss Phillipines, Gwendoline Ruais (left) and 2nd runner-up Miss Puerto Rico, Amanda Perez (right).
political empowerment. With each country getting a numerical value between 0 (complete inequality) and 1 (complete equality), Jamaica received a score of 0.7028. .03& +"."*$"/ 80.&/ */ 10-*5*$4 An article by the Jamaica Gleaner recently reported that there are 15 women in the 140 candidates seeking nomination for Election Day. In the article, Rosalee Hamilton, the Jamaica Labour Party’s first-time candidate, argues that women are better organisers and are able to make a deeper connection with voters. However, many women shy away from the political arena because of family responsibilities.
Culture "5 5)& 5)&"53& 1"53*$, #308/ 4 $)"3-*& 4 "/(&-4 Fans of Patrick Brown’s plays will testify of non-stop humour and belly-grabbing laughter and from all indications, Charlie’s Angels is no different. Starring Glen Campbell, Camille Davis, Sharee McDonald-Russell and Teisha Duncan, the play tells the story of three women exacting revenge on a cheating man. Charlie’s Angels is currently showing at Centrestage Theatre. "5 5)& .07*&4 ,*$, 0'' :063 46/%": 4)0&4 8*5) '005-004& Last month, we gave you suggestions for the kids, but this month, we encourage you to schedule a movie date with your significant other, best friends, family or just for yourself. This remake of the 1980s megahit musical comedy Footloose is currently in theatres and if you are a lover of the original version, you might want to check this one out. www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine
19
News & Culture
Music DIANA KING RELEASES HER NEW ALBUM: AgirLnaMeKING Jamaican powerhouse singer Diana King marks her birthday with the worldwide release of her latest album "HJS-OB.F, */( Diana compares herself to a long distance runner: after sprinting from the starting line with mega hits ‘Shy Guy’, ‘I Say A Little Prayer For You’ and ‘L-L-Lies’, she calls AgirLnaMeKING, her ‘second wind’. Released on her own record label ThinkLikeAgirL Music, this latest endeavour will offer fans and music lovers an insight into Diana’s life and music, reiterating her unique style, which is contemporary, yet deeply rooted in Jamaican tradition. "HJS-OB.F,*/( encompasses Diana’s distinctive way of converging Jamaican dialect with Reggae, R&B, Soul, Dance and Pop, which has made her a standout artist since her first release. “I have always believed in staying true to myself, as an artist and as a person. These new songs are ‘imperfectly perfect’ and they take you on a musical journey and show my versatility,� Diana says. "HJS-OB.F,*/( began as a journey that encompassed true grit, inspiration and the healing that Diana needed to overcome her fight with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which threatened to end her career. She overcame the pain by immersing herself in writing and producing music, which was both therapeutic and inspiring. The challenge didn’t deter her, but affirmed her resolve to rebound and proved to be a catalyst to fight and win. Diana received ProToolsŽ certification, built a home studio and, in 2010, launched ThinkLikeAgirL Music. “Music was my therapy and I spent every waking minute in the studio, firstly as a way to distract myself from what I was feeling physically, but by the time I came up for air I had written over a hundred songs and I felt great!� Diana recalls. The lead single ‘Yu Dun Kno’, featuring Indian artist Gunjan, brings out Diana’s versatility and confluence of global genres. This track is the only one on the album which is co-written and co-produced by King, Handel Tucker and Paul Kastick and is a favourite of all who have heard it. This electrifying single successfully brings together an intoxicating mix of Diana’s Jamaican, African and Indian heritage and will leave listeners moving to the beats. King’s vocal mastery is on point on "HJS-OB.F ,*/( as she delivers exceptional range alongside seasoned DJing in a way only she can.
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Your Style eZine
20
Travel
POSTCARD FROM...
Japan
K
onnichiwa! I’m Re-Keisha Hibbert. I teach English in Japanese elementary and junior high schools. I have lived in Japan for about three years and seven months. It’s been an experience!
When I first came to Japan, on my way from the airport, my first impression was, ‘The cars are so small!’ I guess thats because this is the land of cars, they don’t make such a big deal about them. Or not that they don’t, but the standards of what Jamaicans call ‘hype’ are different here. I arrived in Japan in March, so it was Spring. But my, my, my, was I freezing! I can remember sitting at my desk at school praying and asking God to help me. It was soooo uncomfortable. I had on tons of layers and a big ol’ jacket, but still cold! Senseitachi wa totemo shinpaishimashita! (The teachers were so worried!) It was a good thing that I didn’t get here in the winter. This is especially so because houses in Japan (except for in Hokkaido), do not have central heating! Can you believe that? And neither do the schools! At the schools, they use kerosene heaters or ‘sutoobu’ (stove), so each class has one, and the staffroom as well. And chuss mi, if you’re new in Japan, dem nuh have nuh use unless you’re standing right next to them!! The fan heaters (fan hiitaa) on the other hand, are much better. I use the fan heater at home, and a kotatsu. A kotatsu is a table that, when plugged in, heats up underneath. A blanket is placed over the table. Sit under that, and you’re nice and toasty! I’ve been blessed to be here in Japan. There are undesirables, like anywhere else in the world. People stare, and some small kid might see you and say, ‘kowai’ (scary/ frightening). But I’ve gotten used to all of that and thank God, they’re not an everyday occurrence (well, except for the staring!). I’ve lived through a horrific earthquake and tsunami. I’m not so close to where all of that happened, but I felt the earthquake. But you know, I get a real nice, warm feeling knowing that I can inspire kids to want to learn and speak English. Nothing beats the look of satisfaction on their faces when they’ve been able to say something to you in English. I’d like to be here for as long as God allows. Sayonara!
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